Nov 28, 2017 another great resource for trying to decipher grammar rules is grammar girl. Well, some might argue that there is very little difference indeed, and the careless way in which semicolons and colons are used by many authors could be used as evidence to confirm this position. The semicolon looks like a comma with a period above it, and this can be a good way to remember what it does. They are so closely related that the full stop is often skipped for the semicolon. Your second sentence is all right, but we would have used a semicolon instead of a colon.
What is the difference between a semicolon and a comma. According to the associated press stylebook, you capitalize the first letter after a colon. Colons and semicolons should never be used interchangeably. It should indeed be known that both are not one and the same punctuation. The semicolon is often used to make the reader think about the relationship between the two clauses. Colons and semicolons test this colons and semicolons test checks if you know the difference between the two. Semicolon vs colon knowing the difference between semicolon and colon is of great importance when using the english language. Squiggly has two hobbies and, now im going to tell you. By following a few simple rules, you can learn how to use the comma and semicolon correctly.
Learn the grammar rules surrounding the use of colons. Cliffsnotes study guides are written by real teachers and professors, so no matter what youre studying, cliffsnotes can ease your homework headaches and help you score high on exams. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 the blue book of grammar. Check out this site for funny ways to teach grammar and punctuation. If we are to maintain our love of semicolons, we must use them properly. The sentence parts on either side of the semicolon tend to depend on each other for complete meaning. For each of the following, choose the sentence with the correct punctuation. Apr 24, 2009 the difference between a colon and a dash is pretty subtle. Each entry starts with a simple explanation and basic examples before moving to reallife, entertaining examples. Difference between semicolon and colon semicolon vs colon. Well, the semicolon is the squiggle with the dot above it most of us could probably recognize a colon and a semicolon, but do we know how to use them correctly. The semicolon helps establish a strong relationship between the two sentences, and it also helps give the two food items equal importance in the sentence.
It is a linking punctuation between two closely related sentences. This lesson will explain these two punctuation marks with esl picture. How to use semicolons grammar girl quick and dirty tips. The simple thoughts we overlook and those that keep us up at night are beautifully put into this unique work of art.
What is the difference between a colon and a semicolon. Semicolons are most often used to separate two equal independent clauses within one complete sentence semicolon example. Think of a colon as part of the sentence that just ambles along. I love that the colon and semicolon have been brought into question for a few reasons, the use of colons and semicolons is declining. Semicolons are often used for combining sentences that are very closely related. From publishnation, the selfpublishing people who can take your book to the world without it costing the earth. Beware of an over dependence on the comma and full stop, as this can make for ambiguous and repetitive sentence structure. A semicolon is less of a speed bump than starting a new sentence. To help separate items in a list, when some of those items already contain commas. They look very similar, have similar names, and they can both be used as a pause in a sentence or to combine different parts into a single sentence. One reason you might choose to use a semicolon instead of a period is if you wanted to add variety to your sentence structure.
The author also points out the difference between uk and u. When it comes to colons, grammar girl writes that you should be able to replace a colon with the word namely. In this exercise you will have to decide which pairs of clauses can be connected with a semi colon. The other most common use of semicolons is to separate lists when commas are present within the list itself which is part of a single independent clause. A comma is also a much briefer pause than a semi colon and by misusing one, the feel of a story or poem can be changed. I never really gave a fuss on the difference between these two but after reading. Often, its almost a definition of what came before. While you can also use a semicolon or a period between two independentyetrelated clauses, the colon is a little softer than the period, but a. Colon vs semicolon difference between colon and semicolon. Oct 01, 2006 yes, it is a general rule that there should not be a space before a semicolon or colon. Elizabeth bell, grammar, semicolon, the oatmealleave a comment. In this excerpt from david thatchers book saving our prepositions, see how.
Another way to look at it is to consider the simplest form of the sentence, which could be pam reid, a registered nurse, attended the meeting. In business writing, media writing or even in writing personal letters and emails, proper grammar helps you portray your message clearly and projects intelligence on your part. In english, a reader will see semicolons much more often than colons because they have more uses. How to use a semicolon, the most feared punctuation on earth perfect for teaching writing grammar. Yes, it is a general rule that there should not be a space before a semicolon or colon. Think of the colon as a gate, inviting one to go on.
However, either way, two primary rules must be followed. Use the semicolon when you wish to create or emphasize a generally equal or even interdependent relationship between two things. Category archive for language difference between novel and book difference between picture and photo difference between job and work difference between him and his difference between why and because difference between send and sent difference between does and did difference between woman and girl. Using a semicolon to merge two sentences a semicolon can be used to replace a full stop period when a smoother transition is required between sentences. Even when this collection talked about subjects i get tired of seeing from poetry books i. It is hence very important to distinguish between the two punctuation marks, colon and semicolon. Like commas, semicolons indicate an audible pauseslightly longer than a commas, but short of a periods full stop. Semicolons and colons quiz 2 from the blue book of grammar and punctuation. Sep 22, 20 by the end of this video, you will know the basics about using a semicolon. You can practice your english writing and punctuation with this exercise. A semicolon creates more separation between thoughts than a comma does but less than a period does. A grammar girl why do we use plural form of verbs with the singular subject. Semicolon and colon are punctuation marks that should be used with precision in order to convey the correct sense.
She is an inductee in the podcasting hall of fame, and the show is a fivetime winner of best education podcast in the podcast awards. Because the book is acting upon sally, we are using the word as an action so we say affect. Colons are used to introduce a list or something really important semi colons are used to either connect two independent clauses that are related to each other separate parts of a list when at least one item in the list has more. The semicolon is also used between two independent clauses linked by a transitional expression e. Its no accident that a semicolon is a period atop a comma. Includes detailed terms, interactive exercises, handouts, and more. The words in this sound so nice and flow together wonderfully. Your first sentence is fine, except you have an unnecessary space before the colon. Get vocabulary, grammar and teaching tips, site updates and special offers. Since the use of the colon and the semicolon, although simple in principle, presents so many difficulties to uncertain punctuators, it will be helpful to contrast them here.
Although the colon and the semicolon look similar, they each have very different uses in the english language. The difference between the usage of a semicolon and a colon is one of those subtleties. Look in your writing for opportunities to use the semi colon and colon in the ways described in this guide. There is, however, one exception that can cause you a problem. Punctuation, such as the semicolon and colon, is a key ingredient of writing. For example, i do not have extensive college training. A colon can be used to separate two independent clauses when a the second clause is directly related to the first clause not just vaguely related and b when the emphasis is on the second clause. Using the semicolon and colon university of leicester. Here are the two most common uses of the semicolon. Grammar girl, is determined to wipe out bad punctuationbut shes also determined to make the process as painless as possible. You just used however, as a young girl in the first sentence, when that was the perfect opportunity to use the semi colon. Leo tolstoy, anna karenina the above quote is one of the great opening lines to any novel.
Today, i would like to demystify the colon and semicolon just like we demystified that dirty word grammar. Kathryn said she started using the semicolon unconsciously, and hers is the only explanation i can imagine for the widespread incorrect use of the semicolon in salutations. With this punctuation checker, it will enable you to know your mistakes by just entering your text in the box. If you dont see much difference between the job of amplifying. To begin this semicolon vs comma refresher course, lets first look at a few definitions. This handout explains the most common uses of three kinds of punctuation. Find out how to use a semicolon properly and improve your punctuation, grammar, and writing skills. Online sensation grammar girl makes punctuation fun and easy in grammar girl s punctuation 911. Please note that there are a few other ways of using semicolons i.
If someone ask you to explain colon vs semicolon, what would you say. If you put a comma where that semicolon is, you will have committed a comma splice, which some consider a serious grammatical mistake. If, however, you have additional sentences following the sentence with the colon and they explain the sentence prior to the colon, capitalize the first word of all the sentences following the colon. The semicolon is also commonly used to join two clauses, changing the sentence in combination with words like therefore, however or on the other hand. A semicolon can replace a period if the writer wishes to narrow the gap between two closely linked sentences. Between independent clauses linked by a transitional expression. You can use both commas and colons to introduce quotations, and on rare. The colon and the semicolon are two types of punctuation. Use a colon to introduce a list when no introductory words like namely, for instance, i. Apr 20, 2019 what is the difference between a semicolon and a colon. The first three chapters give a history of the semi colon and a summary of how grammar rules evolved in the us.
Many english speakers are uncertain about the correct usage of the colon and the semi colon. A semicolon belongs in each of the following sentences. Semicolons and colons quiz 2 the blue book of grammar. Mignot fogarty, better known as grammar girl provides the public with an accessible reference on punctuation. Squiggly has two hobbies and, now im going to tell you what they are, colon cooking.
Comma vs semicolon difference between comma and semicolon is a very confusing matter to many as most of us do not know when to use which. Do you capitalize the word after a colon and a semicolon. The gist of the main uses of semicolons is given below. Difference between comma and semicolon compare the. You can also use a semicolon with connecting words such as nevertheless, thus, or besides to combine two sentences. In this lesson, we will take a look at the colon vs semicolon. But a semicolon separates independent clauses, and can be written with a period. All definitions are courtesy of merriamwebster dictionary.
Click here for stepbystep rules, stories and exercises to practice all english tenses. Use a colon before a list or an explanation that is preceded by a clause that can stand by itself. Semicolons the blue book of grammar and punctuation. In latin, semi means half, so semifast literally means half as fast. With examples from stargate sg1, stargate atlantis, and torchwood.
One of the least understood but quietly significant distinctions of grammar is between a semicolon and a colon. Mignon fogarty is the founder of quick and dirty tips and the author of seven books on language, including the new york times bestseller. You can use the semicolon to connect two independent clauses together into one sentence. Just one of my absolute favorite poetry collections.
People often ask me what the difference is between a semicolon and a colon, and there are a couple of differences. A semicolon is a break in a sentence, while a colon provides a pause before introducing related information. If you already remember the meanings of these words, feel free to skim this. Grammar girl breaks down when and how to use colons, including. There should not be a space before the semicolon or period. What is the difference between a semicolon and a colon. Difference between semicolon and colon compare the. Semicolons and colons are incredibly useful for the construction of complex and interesting sentences that cant be made with your usual stable of commas and periods. Difference between comma and semicolon difference between comma and semicolon the difference between colons and semicolons bigwords101 when to use.
It is especially important when writing formal academic essays, such as for the ielts, toefl, sat, cae, etc. Buy our book smashing grammar 2019 written by the founder of grammar monster, smashing grammar includes a glossary of grammar essentials from apostrophes to zeugma and a chapter on easily confused words from affecteffect to whetherif. Byers does the average person know the difference between a period and a semicolon. Use a semicolon to separate units of a series when one or more of the units contain commas. The semicolon recognize a semicolon when you see one. The semi colon and colon are often underused, yet their correct use can enhance the clarity of your writing. Have you ever wondered what the difference is between affect and effect. Mignon fogarty is the founder of quick and dirty tips and the author of seven books on language, including the new york times bestseller grammar girl s quick and dirty tips for better writing. We are glad to hear that you find the blue book of grammar and punctuation helpful. Today, lets look at the difference and the usage of colon vs. A semicolon is used to combine two independent clauses into one sentence. No, meat doesnt rot in your colon, your stomach, or. The colon is the one composed of two vertical dots, like so. In a sentence, the colon slows the flow of the sentence more than a semicolon.
Semicolon comes outside the semicolon should be placed outside ending quotation marks. Apr 19, 2012 although they also have other uses, dashes and colons can both be used to introduce the next part of a sentence, and the difference between the two marks is subtle. Note the interdependent relationship of the two sentence parts linked by the semicolon in this example. A dash is a stronger and more informal mark than a colon. A colon introduces an element or series of elements that illustrates or amplifies the information that preceded the colon. A colon, on the other hand, is used to introduce something new into the sentence that is directly related to the first part of the sentence. The difference between a comma and a semicolon is that a semicolon links two independent clauses without a connecting word while a comma connects two independent clauses with the help of a conjunction. Difference between semicolon and colon difference between. Excellent job of describing the difference between semicolons and colons. Previously published as part of grammar girl s quick and dirty tips for better writing. Given its function, it should have been called a semifull stop or a semiperiod. Thus, you only need semicolons to separate the units of the series from each other and not from the rest of the sentence.
Simply put, the colon is used to provide a pause before introducing related information, while the semicolon is just a break in a sentence that is stronger than a comma but not as final as a full stop. When the quoted matter ends with a semicolon, the semicolon in. The difference between a colon and a dash is pretty subtle. When the second clause expands on or explains the first, the colon is the better mark. The same is true of periods, question marks, commas, and exclamation points. Unlike the use of commas to combine very short sentences, semicolons are used for combining relatively longer sentences. The colon vs the semicolon a guide for writers youtube.
Grammar girls quick and dirty tips for comma splices. To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. Then select the word that comes just before the semicolon. That seems to be what you want to say, because they are correlated. These were the differences and examples of the colon vs semicolon. The semicolon is used when connecting two sentences or. The difference between semicolons and colons wattpad. You dont use a semicolon to connect two complete sentences if theres a conjunction between the clauses and, but, etc. The comma rule comes down to the difference between two kinds of.
A semicolon or colon joining two independent clauses signals a connection between them. Comma and semicolon are two punctuation marks used in english language with difference. If you accidentally click on the wrong button, simply click on the button you meant to. Semicolons, colons, and parentheses purdue writing lab. Subject the person or thing that is being discussed or described. A colon is like a literary equals sign as opposed to mathematical one, and a semicolon is like a half full stop or half period. Colons, semicolons and dashes the misunderstood teenagers of punctuation ccsu writing center grammar guide the semicolon some other reasons to use a dash are to introduce a list a restatement an amplification. Using commas, semicolons, and colons within sentences. Colons are used to introduce a list or something really important semicolons are used to either connect two independent clauses that are related to each other separate parts of a list when at least one item in the list has more. I love the poems, i love the simplicity of the title and cover. Today, lets look at the difference and the usage of colon vs semicolon. Colon versus semicolon colons and semicolons have different functions. Typical usage of semicolons by lawyers is in long complex sentences, or in lists. The semicolon and colon are confusing when you are writing, especially if you cannot figure out on what is right and wrong.
Aug 31, 2011 difference between comma and semicolon is a very confusing matter to many as most of us do not know when to use which. While a semicolon normally joins two independent clauses to signal a close connection between them, a colon does the job of directing you to the information following it. Includes lots of examples on how to use colons and semicolons. A very beautiful and emotional book, divided into 4 sections. After that, it looked like the author was trying to make a book out of an essay. After reading the handout, you will be better able to decide when to use these forms of punctuation in your own writing. Like a semicolon, a colon can connect two independent clauses, but it has several other uses as well. Feb 28, 2015 the difference between a comma and a semicolon is that a semicolon links two independent clauses without a connecting word while a comma connects two independent clauses with the help of a conjunction. In this example, we use a colon to introduce the birth dates of the daughters. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 the blue book of grammar and.